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Campership Program

JACF Camperships are open to youth from families whose financial circumstances would mean that a high-quality residential camp experience would be unattainable without external financial support. The specific financial circumstances of a family will determine whether they are eligible for Full Support or Partial Support as defined in the JACF Income Eligibility and Family Contribution Table. (See Resources: Income Eligibility – Family Contribution Table)

The Foundation establishes relationships with youth-mentoring, non-profit organizations, and schools as well as independent volunteers to help us identify great applicants interested in a summer camp experience at one of our partner Camps.

These Mentors play a critical role in guiding a child and family through the application process, assisting award recipients in preparing for camp, advising through the Capstone Service Project requirements, and helping the Foundation with follow-up after camp.

What is a Campership and What Does It Include?

The Campership Program is intended to bring the Camp experience to underserved youth who would not otherwise have access to a high-quality Camp experience. This is done through the award of a Campership which is a scholarship to one of the JACF recognized Associate Camps, and it includes:

Partial Tuition for one 2-4 week camp term per summer

Transportation Assistance (if requested)*

Equipment Assistance (if requested)*

Camp Store Assistance*

Support from the Mentor throughout the campership application process, camp enrollment process, Capstone Service Project (when applicable)

Potential to reapply for funding throughout the lifespan of the camper

*Available to applicants enrolled in the Full Support Program. Not available to those in the Partial Support Program (See Income Eligibility-Family Contribution Table in Resources)

Applicant will have the potential toward or openness to grow in the areas of Friendship Skills, Independence, Teamwork, Family Citizenship, Perceived Competence, Interest in Exploration, Responsibility, Affinity for Nature and Problem-Solving Confidence

Applicant will contribute in positive ways to the Camp community

Applicant must reside in the contiguous United States of America

What is a JACF Campership Mentor?

A Mentor is a person with youth development experience that provides support to the Applicant/Camper Family throughout the Campership process. The Mentor plays an essential role in the ‘check and balance’ system JACF has developed to ensure we are serving those children for which the campership was designed.

Mentors may be veteran volunteers for the foundation that have worked in a particular region of the country, personnel within a partnering youth services agency or school or a person selected by the Camper who is willing to become a volunteer for the John Austin Cheley Foundation.

All JACF Mentors must be screened and approved by JACF by completing a JACF Volunteer Application.

How Do I Apply For a Campership?

There are 3 different types of Campership applications. Click HERE to learn about the differences and to apply.

Testimonials

My biggest challenge at camp this summer was getting use to an entire new environment. I knew no one at camp at first. I did not know anybody in the whole state of Colorado. That is until I went to Cheley Colorado Camps. I felt uncomfortable at first, especially since I was the only person of color in my unit. But one day I walked into my cabin and there were girls laughing and talking and having a great time. They included me in their conversation as if I was an old friend. And from that day on I truly felt like I was a Cheley girl.